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Workbench
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by John Bisset
Radio World salutes John Bisset, author of Workbench, for his selection as the Society of Broadcast Engineers Educator of the Year.
An industry classic, Workbench provides "hands-on, in-the-trenches" tips -- by and for "hands-on, in-the-trenches" engineers. John Bisset, a chief engineer, contract engineer and industry equipment representative with almost four decades of experience, has compiled thousands of technical tips from readers around the industry, and adds his own special insights. Submissions for this column are encouraged and qualify for SBE recertification credit.
Until our new data system is fully integrated, please
click here
for articles prior to September 1, 2006.
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Control Your DA Over the Web
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Kintronic Offers an Online Controller
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by John Bisset, 8.01.2007
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With an eye toward HD Radio, a number of AM stations are considering transmission site upgrades this summer.
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Simple Ways to Keep Pests Out
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And a Creative Method to Isolate Studio Speakers
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by John Bisset, 7.18.2007
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Station acquisitions can tax the most seasoned engineer.
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Order in the Transmitter Shack
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Bees in Beaumont; Labeling Your Breakers
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by John Bisset, 7.04.2007
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The hornet nest that Harry Bingaman discovered in the attic of his transmitter building, pictured in the May 23 Workbench, is just the start of the season of bees, it seems.
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Keep Emergency Keys Safe
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by John Bisset, 6.20.2007
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Bill Sullivan starts out this column with a procedure to improve the accuracy of computer clocks, initially discussed in the May 9 Workbench.
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Fight Back Against Copper Theft
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by John Bisset, 6.06.2007
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One day, the tram supervisor called to ask if Tom had any ideas why the fuses kept blowing. His solution is something that should be in every engineer’s bag of tricks.
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Critters Invade Transmitter Buildings
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by John Bisset, 5.23.2007
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Dave Ernewein writes that he has enjoyed Workbench for years and looks forward to learning a new trick every now and then. He serves as a contract engineer for a number of facilities and has seen some “very familiar” things depicted in this column.
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Time and the Broadcast Engineer
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by John Bisset, 5.09.2007
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Time. In this business, it can control us. If time gets out of hand, it can destroy us.
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Radio Station Has Blowout Ad Sale
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by John Bisset, 4.25.2007
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Kevin Larke is the chief engineer for the Mid Michigan Radio Group; like many engineers he does a little contract work on the side.
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Hunka Hunka Burning Lug
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by John Bisset, 4.11.2007
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How many times have you reached for a tube of caulk, RTV or glue only to discover that the previous user did not seal and store it properly? Now the material has the consistency of concrete.
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Nice Weather if You’re a Snow Goose
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by John Bisset, 3.28.2007
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Bob Perry is chief engineer for Citadel’s Maine and New Hampshire stations.
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The Computer in the Wall Jack
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That's Not Just a Jackplate for a Network Port; It's a Complete Thin Client Computer
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by John Bisset, 3.14.2007
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Alan Peterson is assistant chief engineer for the Radio America Network in Washington. Always on the lookout for new items, Al came across a unique find.
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Troubleshoot Without Blowing Your Fuse
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Be Neighborly to Those Who Live Near Your Transmitter
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by John Bisset, 3.01.2007
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When winter weather blasts most of the country, site neighbors can be a blessing, especially if you maintain multiple sites.
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Shocking Uses for 'Audio' Wire
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A Reader Discovers Two Scary Uses for Belden 8451
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by John Bisset, 2.14.2007
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Joe Stack with Modulation Sciences is an occasional contributor to Workbench. In discussing poorly engineering sites, Joe says he has run across two scary uses for Belden 8451 audio cable.
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Winds Affect Marti, Satellite Dishes
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Also: How a Can of Car Wax Can Make Your Life Easier the Next Time It Snows
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by John Bisset, 2.01.2007
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Laverne Siemens is the director of engineering for Golden West Media in Canada.
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Glucose Meters Help Solve Tech Problem
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by John Bisset, 1.17.2007
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For most engineers, the new year brings new budgets and new projects.
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UPS & Generator: A Happy Marriage
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by John Bisset, 1.03.2007
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Solving a problem gives any engineer a boost. But if we solve it using items from the junk box, well, that really makes our day.
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Not Such a Silly Goose
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by John Bisset, 12.20.2006
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We’re approaching the time of year when access to transmitter sites may be restricted by the weather. Gary Wachter of Service Broadcasting in Dallas came upon a useful discovery while searching for a transmitter site humidity sensor.
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Keep Tools Dry and Trouble-Free
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by John Bisset, 12.06.2006
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Zip Up Annoying Wire Bundles
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by John Bisset, 11.22.2006
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Rick and his engineering consultant, Ted Schober, had been troubleshooting an intermittent VSWR trip that seemed to be coming from their LPB transmitter. The trip would show up on the remote control, but for no apparent consistent reason. One day it was wet, another dry, one day it was warm; you get the picture.
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Disaster at the AM Transmitter Site
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by John Bisset, 11.08.2006
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While traveling by car, Cumulus Youngstown Market Engineer Wes Boyd spotted a peculiar AM site.
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